The role of father often intertwines with that of business leader, creating a unique dynamic that shapes both family and professional life, as the skills acquired in fatherhood can be surprisingly valuable for management. In celebration of Father's Day, we highlight stories of entrepreneurs who find in raising children an inexhaustible source of inspiration, learning, and growth. The combination of skills acquired with the arrival of heirs, such as patience, empathy, efficiency, and communication, reinforces their capacity for leadership and innovation. We highlight the accounts of seven men who shared this transformation:
Father of Ana Laura (16) and Pietro (12), Dr. Fábio Argenta, cardiologist, founding partner and medical director of Saúde Livre Vacinas , a network of clinics focused on vaccines that offer the most modern preventive care, says that fatherhood teaches him that managing children is the most complex, as it mixes emotions with unconditional love. “Being a father has brought me fundamental lessons for my life as a businessman, because we learn from them and teach them. And it's the same in the life of a businessman; you have this same experience with your employees, partners, and other managers—it's a continuous exchange,” comments Argenta.
The founding partner of Sua Hora Unha , a chain specializing in nail, hand, and foot care, Fabrício de Almeida, father of Pedro (11) and Luiza (9), reveals that the main lesson fatherhood has taught him and that he applies to his entrepreneurial routine is responsibility. “There is nothing greater and more precious than children; the awareness of providing the best leaves no room for mistakes in one's career,” comments Fabrício. For the businessman, wisdom is necessary to choose the right and necessary battles to engage in, both in the education of his children and in his professional development and growth. He says that after becoming a father, a valuable lesson he learned was creativity. “Stimulating curiosity to provide differentiated experiences and encouraging critical thinking are fundamental to thinking and acting 'outside the box' as a franchisor,” says Almeida.
Felipe Espinheira, vice-president and founding partner of Yes! Cosmetics , is the father of Guilherme (16) and Fernando (15). He says that after the birth of his first son, he transformed and improved as an entrepreneur. “Becoming a father taught me the importance of setting limits, both in my children's learning and in entrepreneurship. Saying no when it needs to be no, saying yes when it needs to be yes, but knowing how to be supportive and listen,” says Felipe. For the businessman, the second lesson, and the biggest challenge, is discipline. “What are the routines and rules that need to be followed and how to create them, from eating at home, brushing teeth, starting to use deodorant, whatever it may be, to the business side, especially as a franchisor because we deal with the dreams, expectations and desires of franchisees who usually don't have a plan B,” explains Espinheira.
In turn, Dr. Edson Ramuth, founder and CEO of Emagrecentro , a leading company in weight loss and body aesthetics, learned from fatherhood that, just like the development of his daughters, praise can also positively impact business. “When children behave correctly, it’s essential to praise them. Conversely, it’s also crucial to guide them. This support is the best path for children. In the corporate world, it’s a way to encourage employees to achieve peak performance and work on their challenges,” he says. The entrepreneur has four daughters: Illana (35), Sylvia (32), Larissa (24), and Catherine (12).
For Tiago Monteiro, founder of PTC One , a multinational company that offers service solutions to engineering and technology challenges, the main lesson he learned from fatherhood that he applied to business was resilience. “Being a father taught me that things don't always happen on our timeline or in the way we plan. Just as children have their own rhythms and challenges, in the business environment, projects may not go as expected and challenges may arise along the way. In both cases, being resilient to persevere, adapt, and keep searching for solutions is essential to achieving business success.” The executive is the father of Maria Clara (9) and Alice Maria (3).
Father of Priscila (41), Leandro (40) and Daniel (39), Leonildo Aguiar, who is the founder and president of Academia Gaviões, affirms that fatherhood has taught him about the importance of example. “As parents, we are being observed and influencing all the time. Just like in the business environment. Therefore, we have a responsibility towards those around us. People will absorb our way of doing business. We must be careful to ensure that these influences are positive, always valuing dedication, truth and honesty,” he reveals.
CEO of CredFácil , the largest credit franchise in Brazil, is the father of Camila and Davi. For the businessman, his children have helped him improve his empathy and communication skills. “Understanding their needs and feelings has taught me to listen attentively and offer more empathetic support to my team members. This ability to understand and communicate better has been essential for more effective leadership,” he adds.
